No. 7 The Fitzpatricks

What sets this family apart from other “cowboy” families? It is this: folks flock to them to be tied up, whipped at, and even given a little smack on the rear end. Every kid (and adult) in the audience want the chance to get into the show. You see Kevin is a World Champion Trick Roper and his children Katie and Will are following in his footsteps.

Most likely if you’ve visited an area dude ranch you’ve seen Kevin perform rope and whip tricks. He’s got a special way of singling out kids, hog-tying them, and then challenging them to get untied in just a few seconds. Every kid wants to see who can untie themselves the fastest! Until recently Kevin’s dad, Bud, has been his constant sidekick holding the horse’s reins, handing Kevin the correct rope, and deftly handling the spaghetti during the whip demonstration. Kevin’s show entertains you but Bud could steal the show by just being Bud.

They say the apple does not fall far from the tree and this is so with Katie and Will. Now that Katie is in college you may see her do a show in the Austin area and Will now does his own shows in the Bandera area while his dad travels all around the world as an ambassador for Texas and Bandera.

One thing is certain with all the Fitzpatricks. Their smile is real, their handshake is genuine and the “Yes Ma’ams” and “No Sirs” uttered in conversation are the epitome of Texas friendliness.